Leh, 28 Nov: LG Mathur today attended the curtain raiser event of the 6th edition of the Indian International Science Festival organized by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
Addressing the panel of guests, LG Mathur stated that even though Ladakh has joined hands with science slightly later than the rest of the world, it has been now well realized that science can play an instrumental role in making life easier and more productive.
LG Mathur, on the occasion, complimented Defence Institute for High Altitude Research (DIHAR) for its substantial contributions to Ladakh and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the people of Ladakh.
Speaking about science-based initiatives being undertaken in the field of Agriculture and Horticulture in Ladakh, LG Mathur stated that with the help of the two LAHDCs, Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) has been initiated which will convert Ladakh into a 100 percent organic state, as part of the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision in making Ladakh Carbon-free, which can be made possible only with the help of science. This, he said “is an achievable goal.” Similarly, LG Mathur expressed hope that with the set target of installing 1100 greenhouses, Ladakh will substantially increase vegetable production around the year.
LG Mathur stated that, “the establishment of a central university, a Medical College, an Engineering College and a Mountain Studies Institute will facilitate a better understanding about Ladakh, which will further assist us in navigating and strategizing our plans for the fragile eco-system of Ladakh.”He said that it is only with the help of science that we can minimize the menace caused by natural calamities that Ladakh has been witnessing over the years.
LG Mathur also informed that the UT administration has commissioned the Indian Remote Sensing Agency (IRSA) based in Dehradun to provide Ladakh with satellite maps of various features viz. glaciers, water sources, animal resources etc, so that a database can be maintained and more importantly to continuously study the change in these features, which will help us make plans for the development of Ladakh.
Further, LG Mathur stated that the UT Administration is seeking help from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for generating a land-use plan to map the potential growth of agricultural and horticultural crops, medicinal and aromatic plants etc, thus contributing substantially to the economy of Ladakh.
Speaking of science and its role in the promotion of tourism, LG Mathur informed that a study is being undertaken to explore the tourist carrying capacity of Ladakh.
Citing examples of the predominant role of science in the development of animal resources, LG Mathur informed that UT Administration is in the process of developing a Breeding policy, Fodder Development Policy and policies to achieve maximum benefits out of Ladakh’s indigenous resources such as the indigenous cow, goats and Yak etc, which offer good commercial opportunities.
LG Mathur expressing his gratitude for being associated in the event, said that Ladakh wishes to see more science institutions in Ladakh so that the newly formed Union Territory can benefit from scientific inventions for the betterment of the living standards, income level and curbing damages to Ladakh’s ecology.
